Ranya Rao gold smuggling case: ED conducts raids

Bengaluru

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at several places in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka on Thursday as part of a money laundering investigation connected to a gold smuggling case. According to official sources, this probe is aimed at uncovering a larger conspiracy involving the smuggling of gold and laundering of illegal money.

The ED filed a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on recent FIRs registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). The case is linked to the arrest of actor Ranya Rao, who was caught smuggling gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on March 3, after returning from Dubai.

Sources said the investigation is focused on identifying networks involved in smuggling gold through airports and generating illegal money, with possible links to influential people, government officials, and politically exposed persons.

Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, who currently heads the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited. However, Ramachandra Rao has publicly denied having any connection with the smuggling case.

CBI probes Dubai-linked gold smuggling syndicate

The CBI has launched a probe into a gold smuggling racket from Dubai after a DRI complaint. Actor Ranya Rao was arrested in Bengaluru for smuggling over 14 kg of gold. Two foreign nationals were caught in Mumbai with 21.28 kg of gold worth ₹18.92 crore. DRI found jewellery and cash at Rao’s residence. CBI and ED are investigating possible public servant involvement.